Product configurator

A product configurator (see also variant management), also referred to as configurator, is a multifunctional software system applied as an interface between sales and value adding functions.

With a product configurator, complex products with many variants can be offered in a short time. Nowadays more and more successful companies use  product configurator software  to generate quotations. A further aspect is the immediate consideration of expertise from the development department without time-consuming request processes in the R&D sector. This ensures meeting frame conditions, such as the buildability.

The configurators are used as communication medium between the company and the customer. The supplier orientates himself towards the results of request processes and adapts the offer to the requests and needs of potential customers. In return, the customer receives a product specifically customized to his/her requests.

Types of configurators

In the sector of consumer goods / Business to Consumer (B2C)

Out of a few but relevant product features, the retail customer selects an optimal combination, which is still mainly manufactured in mass production.

In the sector of investment goods / Business to Business (B2B)

The customer has specific requests the sales department generates a customized complex configuration (with predefined modules) for.